I AM A RUNNER ----------------
Let me get one thing straight: I DO NOT consider myself a marathoner. When I tell people that I’ve been running for 32 years, the first thing the ask is “How many marathons have you done?” It kind of pisses me off.
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Growing up I was a sprinter, and a damn fine one. I was more concerned with breaking 50 seconds in the quarter mile, than breaking 4 hours for 26.2 miles. Sure, I dabbled in cross-country, but it wasn’t until I became a cross-country coach that I got the distance bug — “distance” meaning 5K.
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I ran my first marathon in 2010, after watching “The Spirit of the Marathon” and becoming inspired — it was a physical disaster. In 2012, my wife and I inspired each other, and decided to tackle one together — she finished, I didn’t. Finally last year, after training with a friend for her marathon, I decided to give it another try. Goals weren’t met, but I PR’d big and was left feeling confident that this race didn’t hate me.
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Yesterday I ran my 4th marathon. My initial goal was a 3:23, however my training cycle didn’t allow for that, and I was forced to readjust. I figured a 3:40 was within my reach — an 8:23 pace. For 17 miles that was my pace. At that point, my lack of complete training kicked in, and my body begged me to get on the track, do one 200 meter sprint, and go home. My mind wouldn’t let that happen, but it hurt.
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A lot of friends that started out more conservatively, passed me in the last 4 miles. I wondered to myself, had I started out a little more reserved, would I have run a bit faster? But no, I was proud of myself for going for it, and seeing what I was capable of.
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I managed 12 minute PR. And finally, I got over the 4hr hump, coming in at 3:55. I’m calling this a success. I have one more marathon this year, and after that I will assess if it’s time for me to return to my roots and dabble in some masters track and field.
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So no, I am not a marathoner, but I do run marathons, because I AM A RUNNER!
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Photo gratitude: @kitwanajohn

Running is my favorite way to explore while on vacation! 🏃🏼‍♀️ 4 lovely sight-seeing, picture-taking easy miles to cap off our wonderful trip to the Twin Cities! 🌃 That makes 27+ miles over three days! 😳 Time to head home and seeing our handsome boys! 💚
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